Producing Biodiversity: a History of Science in Australia's Desert Lands

This is the first longitudinal study of the emergence of biodiversity as a socially-valued land use in Australia and the scientific management practices associated with it. Producing Biodiversity examines Australia s semi-arid rangelands historically, considering six major properties with different pastoral histories and ecologies. We document economic, ecological and social methods that assist critical long term transformation from livestock production to biodiversity production. We reflect on the prominent place of ecological science in conservation, community consultation and Indigenous/settler collaboration, and how these dialogues in turn shape scientific understanding.